May is Asian Heritage Month. A number of locations and companies are finding some unique ways to celebrate the spirit and culture of Asia that runs through our community.

In doing some research for this post today I discovered that in the early 2000`s over 75% of our visible minority population were from an Asian background. So lets take some time to connect with that part of the tapestry that we call home.

Thursday May 3rd, we are hosting the Asian Heritage Month Opening Celebration and Performance at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. There are interactive displays for the whole family to enjoy. Origami, Tea Ceremonies, Martial Arts, Chinese Massage, and honestly too much to mention here. That part is free and starts at 5:30.

So bring the whole family down for a no-cost celebration of Asian culture in our community.

At 7pm the Opening Performance starts and it will feature a multitude of Asian dance, music, and taiko. Tickets are only $10 and for sale at the door, at the Bike Shop Cafe, and at Leo`s Video. The whole event features a variety of cultures and community partners.

"The Okanagan Filipino Club is happy to participate in the second Asian Heritage Month in Kelowna. For over twenty years we have been involved with annual events such as Folkfest, Taste of Home, and Family Fun Day. We are thrilled about this new addition. Local and guest performers will certainly make this year's celebration an exciting and novel one." Victoria (Filipino Community)

I sat down with the organizer, Ken Fix, from the Kelowna- Kasugai sister city association to talk more about the various activities and events:

A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to go to our sister city as part of a Kelowna delegation. It was 2005 and over 60 people joined me to go and build relationships and business connections with Kasugai.

Much of what I do in Kelowna is shaped by the friends and connections I made on that trip. We have an abundance of Asian restaurants in our community and the Museum, Art Gallery, and Library have all created themed activities and events to help us celebrate Asian Heritage Month in May.